A Non-Sock Swap

Christy and I have been chatting back and forth for quite a while now.
And we talked of doing a sock swap, but neither of us was very comfortable with actually parting with our hand knit socks, so we decided instead to do a yarn swap and then a knit-along.

As we chatted back and forth I really got to know her and had such a blast with this swap.

Look at the goodies in my box!

Wonderful Teas! - Christy is a tea drinker and has shared her favorite teas with me.
Home Made Whole Wheat Bread - YUMMY! Need I say more?
Gorgeous Red ShiBui sock yarn to make the Francie socks together.
Home made sock blockers! WOW! Her DH took the time to custom make these blockers, I'll bet they'll work better than the cardboard cutouts I have :-)
Pattern books with some lovely patterns. Lots of summer tanks, which I will certainly enjoy making along with some sweater patterns too. There is a gorgeous white sweater that is tempting me to frog my current project and make it instead!!!
A really cute note to go with each item AND
A gift certificate to the Loopy Ewe.

Here is another photo, I just had sooooo much fun receiving this package and then photographing it. The bread was so yummy it is already 2/3rds gone. Just enough for tomorrows breakfast.
Thank you Christy for such a thoughtful package and for sharing some of you in the process!

And of course I just HAD to use the blockers. These are some test knitted socks I made for my daughter, so they are kindof squeezed (stretched) onto the blockers, but they work Great!

Spring Pools

My new passion has become designing my own socks. It is more difficult than it looks, but the final product is reward in itself.

Pattern: Spring Pools by Linda Fisher
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in Peach
Needles: US2 (2.75mm) Knit Picks Harmony circular needles
Construction: Lots of fun with something to do every row.

I love these socks.
You might remember these original socks done in Cherry Tree Hill SuperSock Merino with different colored toe/heel/cuff. These are so cozy comfy and warm.

This is my second pattern published, although it is my first pattern design! I put alot of work into this pattern and have even had some wonderful test knitters!
Christy and Tammy. Thank you so much for your support in publishing this pattern!
I hope you all will give it a try and let me know how you enjoy it.

Here are some comments recieved:
“I tried the sock on and I really like the way it looks! The foot part was the challenge for me since I’ve never done toe up socks before. But your pattern was easy to follow and now I feel like a pro! I love the way the toe looks!”

“The pattern is quite fun with stuff to do every row. No sleeping on the job here.”

My First Crochet - Giovanna's Cardi

It was Sarah's turn for a handmade sweater.
I saw this pattern printed and on my desk and remembered that I had printed it quite a while ago. Yesterday I was up to the challenge of trying something brand new. Thank goodness for online info!

Pattern: Giovanna's Cardi from Lion Brand
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Worsted in Blush
Although this yarn is so yummy soft, I wonder if the crochet detail would show up better in a "stronger" yarn. I'll try again as this was a super fast knit, and I have 2 girls.

More Felting Fun!

Pattern: Knitting Basket by Lucia Tedesco

Yarn: Louet Riverstone worsted in white, pink, purples (dark and light)
Needle: Denise Circular US#10
What a fun knit. Just don't miss row 3 instructions, or you'll have to start again. LOL. I have been guilty of not reading ahead in patterns, but missing a line? That was a first!

Little Roses

I have caught the Designer bug now! Oh my what's next????

Pattern: Little Roses by Linda Fisher (that's me)
Yarn: The Jewell's Handmades Superwash fingering in Tea Rose
Needles: US1 (2.5mm)
Construction: Toe-up, two at once on one circular needle. Basic heel flap construction with a no wrap heel turn.
See side bar for link to pattern and PLEASE let me know what you think.
Note: This pattern has not been test knit, so please let me know if you run into any errors.
Thank you! and enjoy.

Baby Girl

Pattern: Ribbed Baby Jacket by Debbie Bliss

Yarn: Shine Worsted by Knit Picks in Blush
Made for my neighbor Allison who's baby girl is due in 2 weeks!